Mikel Arteta has reiterated he loves Pep Guardiola even after the Manchester City boss’ angry response to his former assistant.

Arsenal were criticised for using the ‘dark arts’ to defend their lead at City last weekend before settling for a 2-2 draw in the dramatic clash.

Guardiola appeared frustrated by Arteta’s comments following their 2-2 drawAFP

When asked about those claims during the week, Arteta appeared to refer to his spell with Guardiola in the dugout, saying: “I was there for four years. I have all the information, so I know, believe me.”

However, the City boss seemed to believe that the Arsenal manager may have been hinting at the Premier League’s ongoing hearing into the reigning champions’ alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play.

“Next time Mikel has to be more clear about exactly what he means,” he responded on Friday. “He said he was here four years and knows exactly what happened here.

“That can be related to the process now with 115 charges, maybe he knows information about that? Or maybe he had something like, I don’t know? Hopefully this question has been asked and he can answer exactly what he means.”

Arteta dismissed suggestions of a feud between the pair amid their on-pitch rivalry by insisting he loves Guardiola and saying that ‘sport will never get in the way of a personal relationship’.

And the Arsenal boss has doubled down on his comments echoed his appreciation of his compatriot, with whom he won two Premier League titles at City.

“I can repeat it, very clear. I love Pep. I admire him, since I was ten years old. I respect him profoundly,” he said via Independent writer Miguel Delaney following the Gunners’ 4-2 win over Leicester on Saturday.

“I am so grateful for what he did for [me]. I consider him for friend. I know how hard they work… The reason they are there is the hunger.”

Arteta added: “If someone wants to damage that relationship, that’s not in my hands.

“Sport is that will to win. They have it, even if they have won it more than anyone else. This is what I mean, I have been there. Hopefully that’s clear.”

Arteta insisted he admires Guardiola following their time at City togetherGetty

The duo are now Premier League title rivals on the touchlineGetty

Arsenal and City have kickstarted a new Premier League rivalry as both sides have contested for the title since 2022.

Guardiola’s side have come out on top over Arteta’s men on two occasions so far, with both set to challenge against this season.

A victory for either team in last weekend’s match would have handed a huge boost to their title hopes but a draw was the eventual outcome of the controversial fixture.

City stayed two points clear of the Gunners at the top of the table as a result, although have now seen their advantage cut down to zero.

They drew 1-1 with Newcastle on the opening Premier League match of the weekend that included a contentious Anthony Gordon penalty.

Arsenal nearly dropped points too later in the day but scored two late goals to beat Leicester and put them level with City on 14 points, although they sit behind them in third on goal difference.